(In U.S) Idaho Firefighters Ambushed and Killed While Responding to Blaze

 

Two firefighters were shot and killed, and a third was seriously wounded, during a violent ambush on Sunday in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The firefighters were responding to a blaze on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area, when they came under sniper fire. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated that the suspect, believed to have started the fire intentionally, opened fire without warning, calling the attack a “total ambush.” The third firefighter, who was critically injured, underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.

Law enforcement and fire personnel were immediately targeted upon arriving at the scene. The gunman used a high-powered sporting rifle and fired rapidly at first responders, forcing a massive tactical response. Over 300 officers from various agencies, including federal forces, responded. Two helicopters equipped with snipers were also deployed. It remains unclear whether the suspect died from a police bullet or by suicide. His identity has not yet been confirmed

Authorities tracked the shooter using cell phone location data, and a SWAT team removed his body as the fire approached. Due to the chaotic nature of the scene and uncertainty over the number of shooters, law enforcement held back on releasing specific details about the weapons involved. More firearms may be discovered once the fire is fully extinguished.

Video footage from the area showed smoke engulfing the forested hills as armed responders prepared to engage. Multiple ambulances and emergency vehicles were seen arriving at a local hospital.

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Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous direct assault” on the state’s brave firefighters. The FBI is currently assisting with the investigation.

The United States continues to face frequent incidents of gun violence. In 2023 alone, 17,927 gun-related murders were recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.